Figures show fall in number of North East school exclusions
Jul 30 2010 by Nicola Juncar, The Journal
HUNDREDS of children were expelled from North East schools last year, according to new Government data.
The Department for Education published figures yesterday which revealed 370 pupils were permanently excluded during the academic year of 2008/09.
Of these, 110 were expelled for physically assaulting fellow classmates or a member of staff, 40 of them primary school age.
The number of permanent exclusions for assault is up from 100 the previous year, but the number of overall exclusions is down from 400.
Other reasons for pupils being expelled include drink or drug-fuelled incidents, which account for 30 exclusions, and theft, which accounts for 10 cases.
A further 80 were expelled for threatening or verbally abusing teachers or pupils, while 100 were thrown out of school for persistent bad behaviour.
However, in contrast to other regions, no exclusions were made in any North East authority area for incidents of bullying, racism or sexual misconduct.
County Durham – the region’s largest local education authority – had the highest number of permanent exclusions at 120, including 11 for drug or drink-fuelled problems.
This is up from 110 exclusions the previous year, but still only accounts for 0.16% of the whole school population.
Maureen Clare, Durham County Council’s head of access and inclusion services, said: “Schools in County Durham and the local authority work together in partnership to improve behaviour and attendance.
